Camouflage print T-shirt

Another T-shirt for Sidra, made with cotton knit in muted camouflage pattern. I don’t really like camouflage print, but Sidra asked me to make something for him in this print. I found this fabric in Yuzawaya, Shunjuku. The camouflage print is a bit desaturated, which makes it not as harsh as the original camouflage and actually I kinda like it! It was in the section for babies’ fabric, so the fabric is very soft and comfortable.

I usually use zigzag stitch on my sewing machine for sewing knit fabric, but this time I used straight stitch with special thread. The thread looks like ordinary thread but it has some elasticity in it. This means I can use straight stitch because the stitches are stretchy.

I never heard about this kind of thread before, so I don’t know if it’s available outside Japan. The brand name is ‘Eiffel’ thread, I bought it in Yuzawaya along with the fabric. It was Yoshimi who told me about this thread. Thank you so much, Yoshimi! ^_^

Since the thread is stretchy, the bobbin should be winded up slower to avoid breaking the thread. I practiced on fabric scraps beforehand and decided to use slower speed when sewing the T-shirt. I still use zigzag stitches for shoulder and side seams, while the hem, sleeves and neckline show two rows of straight stitches. They look like coverstitch from the outside, but actually I just topstitched them twice.

Unfortunately my little model was not very cooperative for the photoshoot, so I just took a couple of quick snapshots on the stairs before he changed for bed tonight. He’s been wearing it for two days in a row!

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This Tshirt is sooo cool! You make such wonderful clothes for your son. And that little skull and crossbones label, is an adorable extra touch.
I’ve never heard of that stretchy thread, and I’m not sure if there is an equivalent here. I’ll have to check it out.
And thanks for your comment on my pocket!

http://broccoliginger.blogspot.com Jun

Very nice! Neat sewing. Why don’t you make it bigger so that it can last longer for Sidra.

verypurpleperson

Thank you!
I’m not really a fan of oversized clothing on kids. I think one of the joy of handmade clothes is having them personally fit to the body. Since I love sewing, it’s also an advantage since I have more reason to make new clothes once the old ones are outgrown

http://palebluedoor.com/ Barbara

Hello! I just found your blog via Vanessa (Do you mind if I knit?) and it’s wonderful!
Thank you for sharing so many inspiring projects with such great photos …
Happy sewing!

verypurpleperson

Hi Barbara!
Sometimes I knit or crochet too, but only small things like scarf or beanies. I’m such a newbie!
Thank you for dropping by!

http://www.thecraftbot.blogspot.com Miranda

That’s a great looking shirt! You make such great looking things!

http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.com/ yoshimi

Wow, you are quick! Sidra is a lucky boy who has such a talented mother like you. Is the thread stretching enough for children clothes? I’d love to hear your impressions. Thank you for citing me!

verypurpleperson

The thread is stretching enough, usually the biggest problem is around the neckline but this T-shirt doesn’t have that problem. In fact, it is a bit difficult to unpick it because it is stretchy. I also found out that backstitching is always necessary because the stitches get undone quite easily. Thank you so much, Yoshimi!

yoshimi

Thanks, Novita!!

http://www.canyoucomehome.com StarletStarlet

Love it!

Great idea on the two top stitches, the hem in the bottom and sleeves look great, they got some weight to it.

I’ve never heard of the eiffel thread, but I use polyester thread when sewing knit (straight stitch) and have no problem.